Nassau GOP Calls Dem’s ‘Quid Pro Quo’ Illegal

Republicans call on DA to investigate Democrat’s demand of independent redistricting for bond approval

Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli revealed at a press conference on April 26 that he asked District Attorney Kathleen Rice to investigate if all nine Democratic county legislators engaged in criminal activity. He cited the Democrats threat of refusing to vote on bond approvals if a compromise on redistricting is not reached.

The county attorney read a Dec. 15, 2011 correspondence from Democratic Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, which was also signed by the other eight minority legislators, advising County Executive Ed Mangano that, “we cannot in good conscience consider any borrowing requests for any purpose until we arrive at a satisfactory resolution of legislative redistricting.” The county is looking to borrow up to $140 million, which requires a super majority (13 of 19) vote from the legislature.

Abrams To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro For Autism

Island Rock will host ‘Climb for a Cause’ for Spectrum Designs May 19

When Justin Abrams first visited Island Rock Indoor Rock Climbing in Plainview, it looked like his introduction to the sport was going to have to wait; it was 9 p.m., and the place was shut down tight. However, the 7-year-old from Dix Hills wasn’t in the mood to take no for an answer. He wanted to climb, and he wanted to climb now.

“As a little kid does, I ran up to the front door and started banging on the door, and the manager actually came out and saw that I was…literally in my pajamas,” remembered Abrams. Impressed by such enthusiasm, the manager put the pajama-clad Abrams in a harness and let the child climb, free of charge, all over the rock walls in the empty gym late into the night.

Biggest Season Yet For Plainview Little League Challengers

Baseball team for special-needs players expands with more kids, more games, and more fun in the sun

The Challengers play ball a little differently from most Little League teams. There’s no such thing as a strike or a ball, every player can stay up at bat until they get a hit, and they don’t even keep score. However, when you see the players (most of whom have special needs) running around the bases on a beautiful Sunday morning at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage, there’s no doubt about it: score or no score, strikes or no strikes, they’re having some good old-fashioned baseball fun.

Since its inception in 1998, The Plainview Little League Challengers has always been a non-competitive, co-ed league. While the players do get the opportunity to work on their batting and fielding skills, the emphasis is more on providing the benefits of the team sports experience to those who have traditionally been denied it. The real goal is getting special needs children out on the field, interacting with other kids, getting some fresh air and generally having a blast.

Gillibrand, Israel Host LI Sound Roundtable

Legislators seek regular funding schedule to preserve Sound’s economic engine

Oyster Bay, known for its pristine water quality as a result of years of good stewardship – a great place to grow oysters and clams – was chosen as the location for a roundtable discussion on funding for the Long Island Sound. On April 13, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Steve Israel hosted a Protect the Long Island Sound roundtable with local stakeholders held at the Sagamore Yacht Club. Federal funding for restoration and stewardship programs to protect Long Island Sound expired at the end of 2011. Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representative Israel, a co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, introduced legislation last month to support the restoration of Long Island Sound through 2016. The LI Sound borders New York and Connecticut, with 8 million people living on the coast and 20 million people living within 50 miles.

Local Teens Rock Out For Autism April 28

Long Island musicians turn passion into charity

For the fourth year in the row local teen musicians are joining forces to bring awareness to childhood autism through a musical showcase, Rock Out Autism.

“No matter what background you are, whether you have autism or not, music is something that resonates with people,” said Rafe Tangorra, member of the band Paging Grace and co-founder of Rock Out Autism.

Israel Stands With Lavine To Promote New Legislation

Israel points out that a veteran-owned business policy exists on the federal level and should apply on state level

On Thursday, April 5, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine announced new legislation he is introducing in the state assembly to require 3 percent of all state contracts be procured to veteran-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. While a similar policy has existed on the federal level for more than 10 years and since 2004 for service disabled veterans, New York State does not have this requirement in place while other states do. The assemblyman was prompted to author this legislation after discussing the issue with Rep. Steve Israel, who has promoted tax credits for hiring veterans and incentives for veteran-owned businesses.

Mammone Triumphs In Nationwide 10K Run For ASPIRE

Mammone places first for the third year in a row in 35th annual race

Chris Mammone of the Bellmore Striders scored still another convincing victory in the 35th Annual Nationwide 10K Run for ASPIRE through the streets of Plainview and Old Bethpage on April 1. ASPIRE, which stands for Adolescent Sarcoma Patient’s Intense Rehabilitation through Exercise, supports amputees and encourages them to pursue an active lifestyle. Mammone’s 31:51 finish at Plainview’s H. B. Mattlin Middle School brought him home for his third win in a row a full 2 minutes, 50 seconds in front of runner-up Boyd Carrington. Top Master was John Francisco Martinez, scoring in seventh place overall.

The irrepressible Heather Williams was the winner in the women’s division, with a 37:49 finish that completed her back-to-back wins in Kings Park and ASPIRE. Noni Accetturi outlegged Shari Klarfeld for second place honors in the women’s division, and Karen Pompay scored as the top female Master. It was Accetturi’s second straight finish as the women’s runner-up.

‘Sweeping’ Security Changes for SAT/ACT Testing

NCDA Rice announces test-taking overhaul

High school students: Get ready for your close-up. The SATs and ACTs now want a photo of you.

The requirement that photos be uploaded at the testing site is just one of the new security measures that will now govern SAT and ACT test-takers. In the aftermath of the arrests of 20 local students late last year, all charged with either taking SAT or ACT exams for other students or having paid someone to take the test for them, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced a “sweeping security overhaul” to prevent further cheating. DA Rice was joined by executives from the College Board and the ACT exams at a press conference on Monday, March 26, as she outlined the new rules.

POB Board of Education Adopts 2012-2013 Budget

New superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis introduces herself to the community

Though Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education meetings typically cover a lot of ground, they don’t tend to feature lots of tasty snacks. That changed on Monday, April 2, when new superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis was greeted not only with flowers and accolades, but also a rare mid-meeting break for refreshments and chatting so that the new administrator could introduce herself to parents and staff. While the board had their typical slate of reports to get through, as well as the important matter of adopting the 2012-2013 budget, the warm welcome for Dr. Lewis lent the whole evening a festive, celebratory air.

NIFA Mandates Nassau County Pay Freeze

Marlin criticizes proposed sewage deal

For the second consecutive year, Nassau County workers will have their wages frozen.

The Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) made the announcement last week, citing a possible budget deficit this year of up to $100 million.

County Executive Edward Mangano praised the decision as a “stabilizing” force in the budget process.